Airlines: Budget Airline Market

Lord Hanningfield: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether HM Treasury has undertaken any work into the financial impact of the growth in the budget airline market.

Lord McKenzie of Luton: HM Treasury has not undertaken any specific work into the financial impact of the growth in the budget airline market.

Airports

Lord Hanningfield: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether HM Treasury has undertaken any work on the future of the airport industry.

Lord McKenzie of Luton: HM Treasury works closely with the Department for Transport, which has lead responsibility for aviation policy. The Government's Air Transport White Paper and the supporting paper produced by the Department for Transport, Passenger Forecasts: Additional Analysis were published in December 2003.

Blood Products: Self-sufficiency

Lord Morris of Manchester: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Warner on 19 December 2005 (WA 202), when they expect to place in the Library of the House the findings of the report on self-sufficiency in blood products; and what steps they propose to take to draw it to the attention of Members of the House concerned with this matter.

Lord Warner: We expect to publish the report on self-sufficiency in blood products shortly. A copy will be placed in the Library. We will ensure that relevant Members of the House are sent a copy of the report.

People Trafficking: Children

Lord Hylton: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will issue guidance to social services, police and other relevant agencies about the trafficking of children, emphasising the importance of the child's circumstances, particularly at the time of leaving its country of origin.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: The revised guidance document Working Together to Safeguard Children, which the Government plan to publish in Spring 2006, will set out guidance for children's social care, police and other agencies on how to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, including children who are the victims of trafficking and those who are seeking asylum in the United Kingdom as a result of their experience in their country of origin, some of whom may also have been smuggled into the United Kingdom or brought here by traffickers.

People Trafficking: Children

Lord Hylton: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will ask the Children's Commissioner to look into the risks and needs attaching to trafficked children; and whether they will consider a national helpline for professionals who may meet such children.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: We have no specific plans to ask the Children's Commissioner for England to look into these issues. However, we are aware that the commissioner is concerned about the needs of children who are subject to asylum seeking procedures, some of whom may have been trafficked into this country.
	Work is underway within the Home Office further to develop strategies to combat child trafficking. A national helpline for professionals who may meet or have caring responsibilities for trafficked children is one of the options we are considering.
	The revised guidance document Working Together to Safeguard Children, which we plan to publish in spring 2006, will set out guidance for children's social care, police and other agencies on how to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, including children who are the victims of trafficking.
	The current consultation on the draft UK Action Plan on Tackling Human Trafficking seeks the views of interested organisations across the range of relevant issues.

Cigarettes

Lord Brightman: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they have made an assessment of the extent to which new markets are being sought for the sale of cigarettes to adults where there was previously no market.

Lord Sainsbury of Turville: To the best of my knowledge, the Government have not made any recent assessment of the extent to which new markets are being sought for the sale off cigarettes to adults where there was previously no market. However, the Department for International Development has recently initiated support to an international research programme on tobacco and development and in time will be able to provide evidence on this issue.

Crime: Special Investigation Techniques

Lord Lester of Herne Hill: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether, in keeping with recommendation REC(2005)10 of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe to member states on special investigation techniques in relation to serious crimes including acts of terrorism, the police and other authorities involved in the use of covert surveillance and other special investigation techniques receive adequate, relevant training in human rights.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: Those persons in public authorities with responsibilities for authorising the use of covert surveillance and other investigative techniques that infringe individuals' human rights should not make such decisions without training in human rights principles. Legislation providing for the use of these techniques—primarily the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 and its statutory codes of practice—is explicit that principles of necessity and proportionality must be considered by those authorising use of these techniques (and a record made of that consideration) and by those using them. Training in the lawful use of special investigative techniques is available and, together with the public authorities using those techniques, the Government seek to ensure that training is relevant and effective.

Criminal Justice: Thames Valley

Lord Bradshaw: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What steps they are taking to ensure that the courts' rate of disposal of criminal cases in the Thames Valley area matches the increased police detection rate.

Baroness Ashton of Upholland: Her Majesty's Court Service in Thames Valley is working closely with its criminal justice partners to utilise fully current capacity, increase it where possible and ensure that cases appearing before the courts are fully effective in terms of quality and information. Alongside this, the courts are supporting Thames Valley Police and CPS in identifying the potential for implementing alternative disposals where appropriate, thus enabling work in the courts to be prioritised.

Croatia and Macedonia: EU Membership

Lord Dykes: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What are the estimated dates for entry into the European Union of Croatia and Macedonia; and what support they will give to the entry negotiations.

Lord Triesman: Both Macedonia and Croatia will set their own pace as they move towards the EU. The speed of their progress will depend on their own efforts to meet EU standards at each stage of the enlargement process. The Government are keen to see both countries accede to the EU as soon as they meet the relevant standards.
	The UK provides support to Croatia and Macedonia through its contribution to EU assistance funds. In 2006, EU funding for Croatia and Macedonia will total €180 million. UK experts are already taking part in EU twinning programmes to advise the Croatian authorities on the reforms required to meet EU standards. We will seek opportunities to take part in future programmes in both countries.
	Furthermore, we are providing significant bilateral assistance to both countries through the Global Opportunities Fund (GOF). In 2006–07, we have allocated £410,000 for projects in Croatia and £300,000 for projects in Macedonia. In these two countries, this fund finances projects in areas including public administration and judicial reform, and the creation of a pro-business environment. Following the decision to grant Macedonia candidate country status, we are stepping up activities in Macedonia under the GOF.

Cyprus

Lord Maginnis of Drumglass: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will support the attempt by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to resolve the Taskent incident when 83 Turkish Cypriot civilians were killed by Greek Cypriots in 1974; and whether they will make representations regarding the return of the remains of victims to Northern Cyprus.

Lord Triesman: We welcome all initiatives to help families from both communities in Cyprus establish the facts about missing relatives and pursue justice. This is a humanitarian imperative. How it is pursued is a personal choice for the families. The UN-supported Committee on Missing Persons does vital work in this area, which we will continue to support.

Energy: Fuel Poverty

Lord Whitty: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What changes have been made to estimates of the occurrence of fuel poverty following recent increases in domestic energy prices.

Lord Sainsbury of Turville: Analysis of the overall effects of changes in fuel prices and incomes, excluding consideration of energy efficiency improvements, suggests that the total number of vulnerable households in fuel poverty is likely to rise by around one million households in England between 2003 and 2006, with a proportionate increase in the devolved administrations. This is based on a range of price and income assumptions underlying the Energy Review consultation document published on 23 January 2006.
	Work on the best way to tackle fuel poverty in the light of rising energy prices is being taken forward in the context of the Energy Review.

EU: Budget

Lord Stevens of Ludgate: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Which member state is currently the largest recipient of European Union funds; and which member state will become the largest recipient under the European Union budget agreement over the period 2007–13.

Lord McKenzie of Luton: The largest recipient from the EC budget during the current financial perspective (2000–06) is Spain. The largest recipient during the next financial perspective (2007–13) will be Poland.

EU: Budget

Lord Pearson of Rannoch: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will publish, for each member state of the future 27 member European Union, the total cumulated gross contributions to, and receipts from, the European Union budget, over the period 2007–2013, consistent with the projections set out in document 15915/05 Financial Perspective 2007–2013 issued by the Council of the European Union on 19 December 2005.

Lord McKenzie of Luton: The publication of forecasts of the contributions and receipts of other member states is a matter for their respective governments.

EU: Charter of Fundamental Rights

Lord Vinson: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	In the light of their assurances that they would not permit specific proposals from the draft of the rejected European Union Constitutional Treaty to be brought forward, what is their response to the recent European Union Document COM (2005) 172 which requires that the provisions of the Charter of Fundamental Rights should be enshrined in all new legislation.

Lord Triesman: Document COM (2005) 172 has nothing to do with giving the Charter of Fundamental Rights legal force, or anticipating implementation of the treaty. It simply sets out improvements to internal Commission procedures, which the Commission has been implementing since 2001, to ensure that, when it proposes legislation to the Council, that legislation respects the rights and principles set out in the charter. Given that all the member states are politically committed to the charter, it is a useful part of the Commission's impact assessment and enables the Council to make better informed legislative decisions. This is something that the Government welcome.

Guantanamo Bay

Lord Hylton: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether any of the former British residents still held at Guantanamo Bay are taking part in a hunger strike.

Lord Triesman: We understand that at least one of the former British residents detained in Guantanamo Bay is taking part in the current hunger strike by a number of detainees.

Guantanamo Bay

Lord Hylton: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they are making representations to the United States Government about the force-feeding of some detainees at the Guantanamo Bay camp.

Lord Triesman: We have raised the issue of the hunger strike by a number of detainees in Guantanamo Bay with the US authorities and been assured that they are concerned to ensure the welfare of the detainees. We have not made specific representations on the issue of force-feeding.

Health Expenditure

Lord Roberts of Llandudno: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What is the expenditure on health per person in each of the English, Scottish and Welsh local health authority areas.

Lord Warner: Figures for NHS Scotland and the NHS in Wales have been provided by the Scottish Executive and the Welsh Assembly Government respectively.
	The net operating expenditure on health per person in England, Scotland and Wales in each of their respective local health authority areas for 2004–05 is as follows.
	
		
			 NHS Scotland—NHS Board2004–05 Net Operating Cost Population Net Operating Cost per Head 
			  £000's  £ 
			 Argyll & Clyde 615,286 415,658 1,480 
			 Ayrshire & Arran 510,004 367,590 1,387 
			 Borders 149,331 109,270 1,367 
			 Dumfries &Galloway 210,901 147,930 1,426 
			 Fife 440,512 354,519 1,243 
			 Forth Valley 358,013 281,764 1,271 
			 Grampian 644,265 524,020 1,229 
			 Greater Glasgow 1,333,575 867,083 1,538 
			 Highland 312,810 211,340 1,480 
			 Lanarkshire 717,586 556,114 1,290 
			 Lothian 991,888 787,504 1,260 
			 Orkney 32,672 19,500 1,675 
			 Shetland 37,686 21,940 1,718 
			 Tayside 568,508 387,908 1,466 
			 Western Isles 57,063 26,260 2,173 
			 Total Boards 6,980,100 5,078,400 1,374 
		
	
	
		
			 Local HealthBoard Wales2004–05 Net Operating Cost Population Net Operating Cost per Head 
			  £000's  L's 
			 Anglesey 76,981 68,700 1,121 
			 Blaenau Gwent 90,271 68,800 1,312 
			 Bridgend 156,764 130,400 1,202 
			 Caerphilly 191,336 170,700 1,121 
			 Cardiff 316,042 316,800 998 
			 Carmarthenshire 199,944 177,600 1,126 
			 Ceredigion 89,761 78,100 1,149 
			 Conwy 137,295 111,800 1,228 
			 Denbighshire 126,965 95,600 1,328 
			 Flintshire 144,483 150,100 963 
			 Gwynedd 154,750 118,100 1,310 
			 Merthyr Tydfil 73,024 55,100 1,325 
			 Monmouthshire 96,384 87,200 1,105 
			 Neath Port Talbot 160,932 135,800 1,185 
			 Newport 155,628 139,500 1,116 
			 Pembrokeshire 137,213 117,300 1,170 
			 Powys 158,714 130,700 1,214 
			 Rhondda, Cynon,Taff 282,694 231,800 1,220 
			 Swansea 252,681 225,500 1,121 
			 The Vale ofGlamorgan 143,497 122,300 1,173 
			 Torfaen 113,583 90,400 1,256 
			 Wrexham 148,816 130,200 1,143 
			 All Wales 3,407,758 2,952,500 1,154 
		
	
	
		
			 England StrategicHealth Authorities2004–05 Expenditure £000's Population Expenditureper head £ 
			 Avon, Gloucestershireand Wiltshire SHA 2,510,547 2,208,422 1,136.81 
			 Bedfordshire andHertfordshire SHA 1,747,876 1,649,615 1,059.57 
			 Birmingham and TheBlack Country SHA 2,958,369 2,304,513 1,283.73 
			 Cheshire & MerseysideStrategic HA 3,189,327 2,363,551 1,349.38 
			 County Durham and TeesValley SHA 1,532,417 1,147,471 1,335.47 
			 Cumbria and LancashireStrategic HA 2,412,040 1,912,284 1,261.34 
			 Dorset and SomersetStrategic HA 1,380,346 1,207,976 1,142.69 
			 Essex Strategic HA 1,775,515 1,619,092 1,096.61 
			 Greater ManchesterStrategic HA 3,435,822 2,572,677 1,335.50 
			 Hampshire and Isle OfWight Strategic HA 2,029,024 1,803,945 1,124.77 
			 Kent and MedwayStrategic HA 1,797,559 1,614,473 1,113.40 
			 Leics, Northants andRutland SHA 1,643,459 1,515,063 1,084.75 
			 Norfolk, Suffolk andCambridgeshire SHA 2,484,186 2,235,608 1,111.19 
			 North & East Yorkshire& N Lincs SHA 1,849,196 1,638,618 1,128.51 
			 North Central LondonStrategic HA 1,919,261 1,228,090 1,562.80 
			 North East LondonStrategic HA 2,203,934 1,548,727 1,423.06 
			 North West LondonStrategic HA 2,612,531 1,845,431 1,415.68 
			 Northumberland, Tyne &Wear Strategic HA 1,882,044 1,388,267 1,355.68 
			 Shropshire andStaffordshire SHA 1,651,090 1,478,906 1,116.43 
			 South East LondonStrategic HA 2,270,265 1,511,159 1,502.33 
			 South West LondonStrategic HA 1,677,911 1,313,334 1,277.60 
			 South West PeninsulaStrategic HA 1,906,104 1,611,311 1,182.95 
			 South Yorkshire StrategicHA 1,813,618 1,280,539 1,416.29 
			 Surrey and SussexStrategic HA 3,027,235 2,556,710 1,184.04 
			 Thames Valley StrategicHA 2,291,031 2,169,074 1,056.23 
			 Trent Strategic HA 3,077,009 2,660,330 1,156.63 
			 West Midlands SouthStrategic HA 1,709,401 1,551,486 1,101.78 
			 West Yorkshire StrategicHA 2,714,636 2,113,711 1,284.30 
			 England Totals 61,501,753 50,050,385 1,228.80 
		
	
	Sources for England:
	Audited strategic health authority summarisation forms 2004–05
	Audited primary care trust summarisation schedules 2004–05
	2003 based 2004 Office for National Statistics projections.
	Notes to the England table
	Expenditure is taken as the revenue resource limits of the strategic health authorities and primary care trusts within the strategic health authority areas.
	Expenditure on general dental services and pharmaceutical services accounted for by the Dental Practice Board and Prescription Pricing Authority, respectively, are excluded. This expenditure cannot be included within the figures for the individual health bodies as they are not included in commissioner accounts.

Housing: Under-occupation in London

Lord Dubs: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What action they are taking to encourage local authorities in London to adopt more effective strategies to free up under-occupied council and housing association homes.

Baroness Andrews: The Government issued good practice guidance, Managing Under-Occupation, in April 2001 which recommends that local authorities adopt a range of financial incentives and practical packages to help households, particularly the elderly, to move to smaller more manageable accommodation—thereby releasing larger family accommodation.
	The Government are also providing funding to help develop a pan-London choice based lettings and mobility scheme. This scheme, which will involve local authorities and housing associations working together to advertise vacancies to new and existing tenants across authority boundaries, should contribute to reducing under-occupation.

Immigration: Failed Asylum Seekers

Lord Greaves: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether failed asylum seekers can be deported to locations in which they may be homeless and destitute; and, if so, whether they are taking steps to prevent this happening.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: Asylum seekers who have been found by the Home Office and the independent appeals process not to be in need of international protection and who therefore have no legal basis of stay in the UK are expected to return to their country of origin. The Home Office works with the International Organisation for Migration to facilitate voluntary returns of failed asylum seekers. Where an individual does not return voluntarily, removal may be enforced. Returns of failed asylum seekers are considered on an individual basis, and the circumstances in the country are taken fully into account. We would not remove anyone if there were reasons under the European Convention on Human Rights for allowing them to stay.

Immigration: Failed Asylum Seekers

Lord Greaves: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What procedures are in place (a) to ensure that failed asylum seekers are able to take their possessions with them when they are deported; and (b) that possessions are sent on to them if for any reason they are prevented from taking them.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: Failed asylum seekers are notified in writing of their liability to removal and are made aware of the arrangements they must make to secure, dispose of or remove their possessions. Whenever people are detained at their homes, they are given the opportunity to pack a reasonable amount of luggage and for friends or supporters to put their other belongings in order. There is further opportunity to arrange for the delivery or disposal of property and the withdrawal of funds while the person is in detention awaiting removal.

Immigration: Yarl's Wood Removal Centre

Lord Ouseley: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many people are still unaccounted for after the fire at Yarl's Wood detention centre in Bedford on 14 April 2002.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: Of the 385 people held at Yarl's Wood Removal Centre at the time of the disturbance and fire on 14 February 2002, the whereabouts of seven detainees are unknown.

Licensing Act 2003

Lord Avebury: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether the final guidance on the Licensing Act 2003 will reflect the Statement by the then Minister for Tourism, Film and Broadcasting, Dr Kim Howells, to the chairman of the Joint Committee on Human Rights (Appendix 1 of the 4th Report, Session 2002–03) that if no relevant representations are made a licensing authority is not precluded from considering the matter of noise nuisance and the effect that a licence would have on the right of local residents to enjoy a degree of protection from such nuisance.

Lord Davies of Oldham: We will consider including the full terms of the then Department for Culture, Media and Sport Minister's letter in the final guidance.

Liquor Licensing: Northern Ireland

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Rooker on 17 November 2005 (WA 168), how the proposed abolition of the licensing surrender provision would be phased in; over what time frame; and how soon they envisage the first grant of drinks licences not requiring surrender of an existing licence would be permitted.

Lord Rooker: The Government will make decisions on the surrender provision in the light of responses to their proposals to reform liquor licensing in Northern Ireland. These are set out in Liquor Licensing—The Way Forward which was published for consultation on 1 November 2005. The period of consultation will end on 31 January 2006 and an announcement on future policy will be made in early summer.

Liquor Licensing: Northern Ireland

Lord Maginnis of Drumglass: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Where and when the consultation document, Liquor Licensing—The Way Forward, containing proposals for reform in Northern Ireland was made available to the public; who leads the Liquor Review Team; who are its members; and what are the qualifications for the membership of the team.

Lord Rooker: The paper was launched publicly in Belfast on 1 November 2005 by the Minister of State (David Hanson) and placed on the Department for Social Development website; a press release was issued which was covered widely in the media and the Minister gave media interviews. Copies of the paper and accompanying explanatory leaflet were made available at the launch and circulated widely. A notice giving details of where and how the paper might be obtained was published on 10 November 2005 in the Belfast Telegraph, Irish News and News Letter.
	The Liquor Review Team in the Department for Social Development is the responsibility of the head of Urban Regeneration Strategy Directorate. Officials in the Liquor Review Team belong to the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) general administration grades and have been recruited in accordance with NICS competencies and procedures.

Liquor Licensing: Northern Ireland

Lord Maginnis of Drumglass: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will review the deadline for public consultation on the document Liquor Licensing—The Way Forward of 31 January 2006; and which major social and welfare organisations were consulted before 31 December 2005.

Lord Rooker: The consultation paper was launched on 1 November 2005 initiating a 13 week period of consultation which runs until 31 January 2006. This timescale accords with government policy of allowing 12 weeks for consultation and provides an extra week to take account of the Christmas and new year period. The Government believe that the public and other stakeholders have been given sufficient time to respond.
	The paper was drawn up in conjunction with a steering group including officials from the Department for Social Development, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, the Northern Ireland Office and the Police Service of Northern Ireland. It was published on 1 November 2005 and circulated to a wide range of organisations. A full list of consultees has been placed in the Library.

Liquor Licensing: Northern Ireland

Lord Maginnis of Drumglass: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether the Assets Recovery Agency in Northern Ireland has been consulted about the proposed abolition of the surrender provision for liquor licences in Northern Ireland; and whether they have made any assessment of the impact of the abolition on the level of criminal activity.

Lord Rooker: The Assets Recovery Agency in Northern Ireland was not directly consulted about the proposed abolition of the surrender provision for liquor licences in Northern Ireland. The Government, in conjunction with the Police Service of Northern Ireland, considered the implications of the abolition of surrender as part of the package of proposals for the reform of liquor licensing contained in the consultation document Liquor Licensing—The Way Forward published on 1 November 2005
	It is free to make any comment during the consultation.

Local Government Finance

Lord Greaves: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	For each principal local authority in England, what is (a) the level of financial balances held by that authority at 31 March 2005; (b) the extent of any contractual commitments identified by the authority against its balances; (c) the extent to which the balances have been formally identified by the authority for particular purposes; and (d) the total value of the authority's general fund budget for 2005–06 as determined at the time of setting its council tax or precept for that year.

Baroness Andrews: (a) A table has been made available in the Library of the House showing the estimated level of cash backed reserves split by schools, other earmarked and unallocated (revenue) reserves in each local authority in England at 31 March 2005.
	(b) The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	(c) The balances have been identified as described in part (a) ie schools, other earmarked and unallocated (revenue) reserves.
	(d) A table has been made available in the Library of the House showing the budget requirement for each local authority in England for 2005–06.
	Notes: The data have been taken from Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) Revenue Outturn (RO) returns 2004–05 and ODPM Revenue Account (RA) Budget returns 2005–06.

Lough Erne: Devenish Island

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What proposals they have to preserve the monuments and their surroundings on Devenish Island on Lower Lough Erne.

Lord Rooker: We propose to continue with our existing, long-established (ie, since 1800) and well refined, approach of preservation in accordance with best current internationally agreed principles.
	These include:
	Minimum intervention;
	Maximum retention of historic fabric;
	Reversibility; and
	Clarity.
	We have no immediate (ie, three to five year) plans for direct intervention, having recently completed essential conservation work on the tower of St Mary's Priory.
	The physical condition of the monuments on Devenish will continue to be monitored on a regular basis and any essential repairs will be carried out.
	We propose to continue to use the existing statutory provisions of guardianship and scheduling, plus planning policy in PPS6 and the Fermanagh Area Plan 2007—which designated an area of significant archaeological interest at Lower Lough Erne—to preserve the setting of this locally, nationally and internationally important archaeological site.

Middle East Peace Process

Lord Dykes: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they propose to hold meetings with representatives of the Israeli Government after the Palestinian elections to discuss moves to revive the Middle East peace process.

Lord Triesman: We regularly hold meetings with the Israeli Government to discuss progress on their road map commitments and ways in which the peace process can move forward. We will continue to discuss this with the Israeli Government after the elections.

Ministerial Code

Lord Lester of Herne Hill: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will appoint an independent adviser to provide Ministers with an additional source of advice on the Ministerial Code, as envisaged by the ninth report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life; and, if so, when.

Lord Bassam of Brighton: The Government have done much to strengthen the handling of Ministers' financial interests, including the requirement for Ministers on appointment to each new office to provide their permanent secretary with a full list in writing of all interests which might be thought to give rise to a conflict.
	The Public Administration Committee is currently undertaking an inquiry into the role and independence of the ethical regulators. The Government will want to consider the committee's conclusions and recommendations in the context of this appointment.

Ministerial Code

Lord Lester of Herne Hill: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will appoint two or three senior individuals who will be available to investigate allegations of breaches of the Ministerial Code, as recommended by the ninth report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life.

Lord Bassam of Brighton: As the Government made clear in their response to the ninth report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, the Prime Minister is the ultimate judge of the standards of behaviour expected of a Minister, and it is for the Prime Minister to decide whether a specific allegation needs to be investigated and the means by which any such investigation should be conducted.
	The Government do not believe it is practical to identify an individual or individuals to investigate allegations of breaches of the Ministerial Code without knowing the expertise required or the time commitment for the case in question.

Moldova: EU Border Assistance

Lord Hylton: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What is the estimated annual cost of the European Union Border Assistance Mission for Moldova; and what success the mission has had in reducing the trafficking of people, drugs and weapons through the Moldovan border.

Lord Triesman: The estimated cost of the EU Border Assistance Mission (BAM) is €4 million for six months, funded by the European Commission's rapid reaction mechanism. As the BAM was officially launched only on 30 November 2005, there has not yet been an assessment of its success. A formal comprehensive review of the mission will take place after six months.

National Insurance: Entertainers Contributions

Baroness Noakes: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What evidence they have for the statement by the Lord McKenzie of Luton on 19 December 2005 (Official Report, col. 1613) that the Musicians Union requested that entertainers be subject to national insurance as employees.

Lord McKenzie of Luton: The changes to the legislation were introduced in July 1998. The Musicians Union made written representations and had meetings with Ministers and officials in the former Department of Social Security, which was responsible at the time for policy on national insurance, asking for musicians to be accorded the same treatment as actors.

National Insurance: Entertainers Contributions

Baroness Noakes: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What specific steps they took to make orchestras and their managers aware of the impact of the changes to national insurance law as it affected members of the Musicians Union.

Lord McKenzie of Luton: The Department of Social Security was responsible for the policy on national insurance contributions when the changes were made. It issued a press release on 15 July 1998 to announce the revised national insurance arrangements for actors and musicians and changes to legislation from 17 July 1998.

NHS: North Cumbria

Lord Campbell-Savours: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What is the total management and administrative cost of the National Health Service in North Cumbria as a proportion of North Cumbria's National Health Service expenditure in each year since 1997.

Lord Warner: The information requested has been set out in the following table.
	
		
			 Year 1997–98 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 
			 Administration as a percentage of expenditure 3.2 per cent 2.3 per cent 9.9 per cent 3.7 per cent 10.1 per cent 
			 Management costs as a percentage of expenditure 5.0 per cent 4.7 per cent 4.3 per cent 4.4 per cent 4.3 per cent 
		
	
	Note:
	North Cumbria Health Authority was dissolved in 2002 and became part of the Cumbria and Lancashire Strategic Health Authority; therefore figures are available by the health authority area only up to 2001–02. Administration expenditure has not always been reported on a consistent basis, hence the variations above.
	Sources:
	Audited health authority accounts for North Cumbria HA 1997–98
	Audited health authority summarisation forms for North Cumbria HA 1998–99 to 2001–02
	Audited primary care trust summarisation schedules 2001–02 and audited NHS trust summarisation schedules 1997–98 to 2001–02 for the bodies within the health authority area.

Northern Ireland (Offences) Bill

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What discussions they have held with the Government of the Irish Republic and political parties in Northern Ireland concerning the Northern Ireland (Offences) Bill.

Lord Rooker: The Government have had various discussions with the Irish Government and a range of political parties in Northern Ireland concerning the Northern Ireland (Offences) Bill.

Northern Ireland (Offences) Bill

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What is their response to the opposition of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission to the Northern Ireland (Offences) Bill.

Lord Rooker: The Government believe that the Northern Ireland (Offences) Bill was compatible with international human rights standards.

Northern Ireland Memorial Fund

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What proposals they have to increase funding to the Northern Ireland Memorial Fund.

Lord Rooker: Since it was established in 1998, the Government have contributed more than £7 million to the work of the Northern Ireland Memorial Fund. In October 2005 the Government committed up to a further £1.5 million to the fund. Based on proposals put forward by the fund, we are currently working up a grant agreement for the management of this additional funding.

Northern Ireland National Stadium

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will place in the Library of the House the business case or cases for the location of a national stadium for Northern Ireland at the site of the former prison at the Maze.

Lord Rooker: No. The business case remains under discussion.

Questions for Written Answer: Northern Ireland Office

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many Questions for Written Answer since 1 January 2005 have been answered by the Northern Ireland Office within (a) two weeks; (b) two to three weeks; (c) three to four weeks; (d) four to five weeks; and (e) five to six weeks; and how many have been answered after more than six weeks.

Lord Rooker: According to Northern Ireland Office records, from 1 January 2005 to 16 December 2005 the Northern Ireland Office issued Written Answers to Questions asked by noble Lords within the following timescales.
	
		
			  Number 
			 Within two weeks 317 
			 Two to three weeks 160 
			 Three to four weeks 57 
			 Four to five weeks 28 
			 Five to six weeks 9 
			 More than six weeks 35 
		
	
	Of those that took more than six weeks to answer, the delay was, in part, due to the timing of the parliamentary recess.
	Unfortunately, due to the volume of Questions, delays in replying can occur. However, I have acknowledged there have been occasions when noble Lords have received unacceptably late replies. I have raised the issue with my officials, emphasising the importance of answering Questions for Written Answer from noble Lords within the 14 day deadline. I will continue to monitor the situation.

Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman

Lord Maginnis of Drumglass: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Rooker on 19 December 2005 (WA 207), under what legislative provision the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland is empowered (a) to recommend formal misconduct proceedings; and (b) to direct a formal misconduct hearing subsequent to a judicial ruling on the same issue.

Lord Rooker: The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland is empowered to (a) recommend formal misconduct proceedings; and (b) direct a formal misconduct hearing under the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1998, Section 59 (2) and (5) respectively.

Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman

Lord Maginnis of Drumglass: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Rooker on 19 December 2005 (WA 207), whether decisions of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland (a) to recommend formal misconduct proceedings; and (b) to direct a formal misconduct hearing, are subject to judicial review.

Lord Rooker: The Police Ombudsman's decisions to (a) recommend formal misconduct proceedings; and (b) to direct a formal misconduct hearing, can be the subject of judicial review proceedings.

Northern Ireland: On-the-Runs

Lord Maginnis of Drumglass: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether their document entitled Proposals in Relation to On the Runs (OTRs), published in May 2003, reflected Sinn Fein's position on the subject at that time.

Lord Rooker: The 2003 proposals reflected the view of the British and Irish Governments on the best way of addressing the issue of on the runs.

Northern Ireland: On-the-Runs

Lord Maginnis of Drumglass: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answers by the Lord Rooker on 20 December 2005 (WA 268) and (WA 269), whether Sinn Fein has changed its position regarding on-the-run terrorists returning to Northern Ireland as stated at the peace negotiations at Weston Park in 2001.

Lord Rooker: I answer only for Her Majesty's Government and the Government remain of the view that this anomaly will need at some stage to be faced as part of the process of moving forward.

Diplock Courts

Lord Hylton: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many persons have been tried for scheduled offences before Diplock Courts in Northern Ireland in each year since April 1998.

Baroness Ashton of Upholland: The number of defendants disposed of before Diplock Courts since 1998 are as follows.
	
		
			 Calendar Year Total Defendants 
			 1998 177 
			 1999 108 
			 2000 89 
			 2001 62 
			 2002 113 
			 2003 111 
			 2004 77 
			 2005* 90 
		
	
	The figures for 1998 include those for January to March that year, as it is not possible to reflect April to end year only.
	* 2005 figures are not yet validated. Validated statistics for 2005 will be published by summer 2006 in the annual judicial statistics report.

Northern Ireland: Festivals

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Why the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure accepted the 2005 Ardoyne Nationalist Festival business plan when it is almost identical to the 2004 plan.

Lord Rooker: On receipt of the Ardoyne Fleadh 2005 business case, the department identified deficiencies and requested additional business information. This information was provided to the department's satisfaction.

Northern Ireland: Festivals

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Who carried out an economic impact study for the Department of Social Development in the year 2000 into the West Belfast Irish Festival; how much did the study cost; whether any more studies have been undertaken; if so, when; and whether a copy of the 2000 study will be placed in the Library of the House.

Lord Rooker: The economic impact study, Feile an Phobail which included a study into the West Belfast Irish Festival, was carried out by Locus Management/Peter Quinn Consultancy. The total cost of the study was £20,000 and a copy will be placed in the Library of the House. No further studies have been undertaken.

Northern Ireland: Festivals

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What was the basis on which the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, in a letter of 22 July 2005 to the Ardoyne Irish Festival Project, expressed satisfaction with the application to receive funding.

Lord Rooker: The application for funding was the subject of the standard assessment by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure. On the basis of this assessment, the letter of 22 July 2005 indicated that funding would be approved subject to additional information being supplied to the department's satisfaction.

Northern Ireland: Funding of Groups and Organisations

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	In each of the past five years, what amount of funding has been given to which groups and organisations and for what purpose from the Urban Development Grants Scheme and the Neighbourhood Renewal Schemes in Northern Ireland.

Lord Rooker: The information gathered in response to the question is extensive. A copy has been placed in the Library.

Northern Ireland: Making Belfast Work and the Londonderry Regeneration Initiative

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	In each of the past five years, what funding was provided from Making Belfast Work and the Londonderry Regeneration Initiative; to which groups and organisations; and for what purpose.

Lord Rooker: The information requested could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Northern Ireland: Making Belfast Work and the Londonderry Regeneration Initiative

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Rooker on 11 January (WA 68), why Making Belfast Work and the Londonderry Regeneration Initiative do not keep records of public funding provided to projects in their areas.

Lord Rooker: The Belfast Regeneration Office (BRO) and the North West Development Office do keep records of public funding provided to projects in their areas. However, as stated in PQ 06/57, the information requested could be obtained only by means of a special administrative exercise.

Urban Regeneration: Northern Ireland

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What they understand by the concept of Neighbourhood Renewal Areas in Northern Ireland; who made the designation; when and on what basis; and where are the areas.

Lord Rooker: Neighbourhood Renewal areas in Northern Ireland have been established in those urban communities suffering the highest levels of deprivation (worst 10 per cent) as measured by the Noble Index of Multiple Deprivation. The existing 32 Neighbourhood Renewal areas were announced by the Government in July 2004 following extensive consultation. Three principles guided their establishment: they must be a workable size, they must make sense to the people who live there and they must complement and build on existing initiatives. The 32 Neighbourhood Renewal areas are as follows.
	
		
			  
			 Inner East Belfast Short Strand, Lower Newtownards Rd, Albertbridge Road, Albertbridge/Beersbridge, The Mount, Woodstock Road, Lower Ravenhill Road. 
			 South West Belfast Sandy Row, Lower Donegall Road, The Village, Roden St. 
			 Greater Shankill Lower Shankill, Mid Shankill/Woodvale, Upper Shankill, Ainsworth, Glencairn, Ballygomartin Road. 
			 Lower Falls/Clonard Divis/Hamill/John Street, Roden St Estate, Clonard/Falls, Cavendish, Fort Street/Forest Street, Beechmount, Donegal Road (North), Iveagh, Broadway. 
			 Upper Springfield/Whiterock Ballymurphy, Springhill, Whiterock 'Rock' Streets, Turf Lodge, New Barnsley, Dermot Hill, Moyard, Springfield Park. 
			 Crumlin/Ardoyne Ardoyne, Lower Oldpark, Cliftonville. 
			 Tullycarnet Kinross, Melfort, Vionville. 
			 Inner South Markets, Donegall Pass, Lower Ormeau. 
			 Lenadoon Lenadoon, Glencolin Estate. 
			 Colin Poleglass, Twinbrook. 
			 Inner North Duncairn, Limestone Road, Mountcollyer, New Lodge, Unity/Carrick Hill. 
			 Upper Ardoyne/Ligoniel Ligoniel, Silverstream, Wheatfield, Glenbryn. 
			 Rathcoole part of Rathcoole Estate, Carmeen Drive/Rathmore Drive. 
			 NEIGHBOURHOOD RENEWAL AREAS IN LONDONDERRY 
			  
			 Cityside Bogside, Brandywell, Creggan and Fountain areas. 
			 Outer North Greater Shantallow Area, incorporating Galliagh and Carnhill. 
			 Outer West The Glen, Rosemount, Ballymagroarty and Hazelbank areas. 
			 Waterside Caw, Irish Street, Top of the Hill, Currynierin and Tullyally.  
			 NEIGHBOURHOOD RENEWAL AREAS IN OTHER TOWNS   AND CITIES 
			  
			 Armagh The Neighbourhood Renewal Area will be on the western side of Armagh City and will include the Callanbridge Park, Mullacreevie and Drumarg estates. 
			 Ballyclare The Neighbourhood Renewal Area will cover the Grange and Thornhill estates in the northern part of Ballyclare. 
			 Ballymena The Neighbourhood Renewal Area will be based around the Ballykeel and Ballee estates. 
			 Bangor The Neighbourhood Renewal Area will be on the south western outskirts of the town, centred on the Kilcooley estate. 
			 Craigavon The Neighbourhood Renewal Area will cover a number of estates that are part of the Brownlow development. 
			 Coleraine (East) This Neighbourhood Renewal Area will be based around the Ballysally and Millburn estates on the eastern side of Coleraine. 
			 Coleraine (West) This Neighbourhood Renewal Area will be based on Churchland ward on the western side of Coleraine, which includes the Heights and Killowen housing estates. 
			 Downpatrick The Neighbourhood Renewal Area will be based around the Flying Horse ward and will take in the Model Farm, New Model Farm and Flying Horse estates and some other parts of the town. 
			 Dungannon The Neighbourhood Renewal Area will be to the south and west of Dungannon town centre and will include the Ballygawley Road estate. 
			 Limavady The Neighbourhood Renewal Area will be on the western side of Limavady and will include the Hospital Lane, Greystone Park and Roeview Park areas. 
			 Lurgan The Neighbourhood Renewal Area will be on the western side of Lurgan and will include areas such as Edward Street, Hill Street and Russell Drive. 
			 Newry The Neighbourhood Renewal Area will take in a large part of the central and western areas of Newry. It will include the Derrybeg, Carnagat, Daisy Hill and Mourneview Park estates and a number of other areas. 
			 Omagh The Neighbourhood Renewal Area will be in the centre of Omagh and will take in the Gallows Hill and Campsie Road areas. 
			 Portadown The Neighbourhood Renewal Area will be on the north western side of Portadown and will take in the Obins Street, King Street, Churchill Park and Woodside areas. 
			 Strabane The main part of this Neighbourhood Renewal area will take in the Fountain, Springhill Park and Ballycolman estates.

Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty

Lord Dykes: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will discuss with European Union member states the case for making progress with non-proliferation treaty initiatives so that the situation in Iran can be pursued through diplomatic channels and other nuclear states, such as India and Israel, brought within the treaty's monitoring framework.

Lord Triesman: The Government work closely with the European Union in all areas of proliferation, including on areas falling under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The UK contributed actively to the preparation of the EU's common position relating to the 2005 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
	The UK, along with France, Germany and the Office of the EU High Representative, have undertaken negotiations with Iran for the past two years with regard to the latter's obligations under the NPT. It has always been our intention to find a negotiated settlement to this issue which is consistent with the verification mechanisms of the NPT. We regret that the Iranians have chosen to take the decision to restart research and development activities related to uranium enrichment, which amounts to yet another breach of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) resolutions.
	The US-India Joint Statement of 18 July 2005 indicated India's willingness to separate its civilian and military facilities, and place the former under IAEA safeguards. We welcome the initiative, which offers the prospect of a significant gain for non-proliferation, and would extend the IAEA's monitoring framework within India, where there are already some sites under IAEA safeguards. We are discussing the detail of the US-India initiative with EU member states.
	Although not party to the NPT, Israel has a safeguards agreement with the IAEA which gives the IAEA access to certain nuclear sites for monitoring.

Palestine: EU Most Favoured Nation Status

Lord Dykes: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will support any proposal from the European Union Commission to offer the Palestinian territories short term most favoured nation status.

Lord Sainsbury of Turville: Under the terms of the EC-Palestinian Authority Interim Association Agreement on Trade and Co-operation, the EU accords the Palestinian authority more favourable market access to the EU for non-agricultural products originating in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip than would be accorded under MFN treatment. Such goods enjoy duty and quota-free access to the European Union. Some agricultural imports also enjoy preferential access.

Palestine: Elections

Lord Dykes: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether official monitoring observers for the Palestinian elections will be allowed full access to voter procedures and rights throughout east Jerusalem following the Israeli Government's decision of 15 January.

Lord Triesman: The Palestinian Central Election Commission will have effective control over the Palestinian voting procedures. International election monitors will also have access to all polling stations. We welcome provisions to allow Palestinians to vote in east Jerusalem and trust that all responsible parties will work together in facilitating the preparation and conduct of the elections.

Probation Board for Northern Ireland: Community Development Funding

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Rooker on 11 January (WA 67) concerning the Probation Board for Northern Ireland, what grants have been made from its community development funding during the past three years; to whom the grants were made; for what purpose; when the grants were made; and how much was provided.

Lord Rooker: The Probation Board for Northern Ireland advises that details of individual grants from its community development funding, over the past three years, are contained in its annual reports for 2002–03, 2003–04 and 2004–05, copies of which are available in the Library. The purpose of such grants is to provide schemes for the supervision and assistance of offenders and the prevention of crime, including diversionary activities.

Race Equality Schemes

Lord Ouseley: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Which departments are not conducting comprehensive equality impact assessments into their activities; and what are the implications of publicising the monitoring and audit results of race equality schemes.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: The Government do not systematically collect data about whether departments are conducting comprehensive equality impact assessments. The Home Office reviewed a small number of draft race equality schemes in May 2005 in order to provide feedback to increase the quality of those schemes. Beyond this, race equality schemes are not systematically monitored or audited.

Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000

Lord Ouseley: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What specific, tangible benefits have resulted from the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 since its implementation.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: The Act has resulted in a clearer focus on race equality among a wide range of public authorities and sectors. There has been a particular benefit from the requirement which is placed on such authorities to prepare a race equality scheme setting out a three-year vision for their work on race equality. Such schemes provide a clear measure against which the public and the Commission for Racial Equality can hold these organisations to account. There is evidence also that the requirement to carry out race equality impact assessments is having a significant effect on the way in which policy is developed across a number of sectors and is ensuring that race equality considerations are addressed at an earlier stage, are built into policy development and are better monitored after implementation. Specific examples of these benefits are set out in the Commission's 2004 annual report.

Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000

Lord Ouseley: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 18 December 2005 (WA 248), whether the Commission for Racial Equality now regards all government departments as meeting their obligations under the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: The commission has provided the following statement on its assessment of departments' compliance with the Act,
	"The nature of the Act means that it is extremely difficult to definitively state that all departments are currently meeting all of the requirements at any one given time. Amongst other, things, the duty requires departments to have published a compliant race equality scheme, be routinely race equality impact assessing all relevant new and proposed policies and have published employment data by ethnicity.
	The commission regularly monitors aspects of the performance of all public authorities, including central government departments, in respect of their responsibilities in relation to the duty. Much of this work is fluid in order to reflect the nature of the requirements of the legislation. With regards to central government the commission is currently engaged in a major exercise to examine compliance. As this work is on-going it would not be appropriate to make any further comment at this stage.
	In addition to its monitoring related activities the commission is also currently working with the Inter-departmental Group on Race Equality, which is convened by the Home Office, in an attempt to simplify the guidance which is available to departments in order to support them to meet their responsibilities in relation to the Race Equality Duty."

Railways: Northern Rail Franchise

Lord Greaves: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Following the statement by the Lord Davies of Oldham on 27 October 2004 (Official Report, col. 1284) that,
	"None of the fleet will have reached the end of its design life prior to the end of the Northern Rail franchise term",
	what was the design life of the Class 142 Pacer units and Class 150 Sprinter units typically used on this line and how much of their design life remains.

Lord Davies of Oldham: The Class 142 Pacers were built between 1985 and 1987 and the Class 150 Sprinters between 1984 and 1987. The design life of rolling stock is normally assumed to be between 30 and 35 years, though this can be extended through re-engineering. Assuming 30 years, these vehicles would now have a remaining life of around nine years.

Railways: Northern Rail Franchise

Lord Greaves: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	When the review of the Northern Rail franchise will be completed; and to whom it will report.

Lord Davies of Oldham: The review of the Northern Rail franchise is continuing and an announcement will be made in due course. The review reports to the Secretary of State for Transport.

Royal Pardons

Lord Brightman: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the replies by the Lord Drayson on 9 January (Official Report, cols. 4–6), whether the exercise of the Royal prerogative to pardon an offender requires the existence of a legal basis; and, if so, what law provides that legal basis.

Lord Drayson: Pardons are part of the Royal prerogative of mercy, which is part of the common law. The criteria for granting pardons are set by the Crown, may be altered and are not, therefore, enshrined in law. This permits flexibility but the prerogative should not be wielded arbitrarily, not least because its use by the executive affects judicial decisions. For this reason, it is exercised according to established principles, developed through the policy and practice of the Home Office. This provides a degree of certainty consistent with the rule of law.

Schools: Foundation Primary Schools

Baroness David: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many foundation primary schools there were in 1999; for each subsequent year how many applications have been made; whether those applications were approved or otherwise by the school organisation committee; and how many applications were approved on appeal to the adjudicator.

Lord Adonis: The new schools framework was introduced in September 1999 and at that time there were 359 foundation primary schools. The following table sets out the numbers of proposals to establish new foundation primary schools, and to change the category of existing primary schools to foundation, together with the decisions and decision making bodies in each year since 1999:
	
		
			  SOC  Adjudicator   LEA  Totals 
			  Approved Rejected Approved Rejected Determined to Implement Awaiting Decision New School Change Category 
			 2001 New School 1  1  
			 2001 Change Category 4 1 2 7 
			 2002 New School 1  1  
			 2002 Change Category 3  1 4 
			 2003 New School 
			 2003 Change Category 3   3 
			 2004 New School 11  2  
			 2004 Change Category   1 1 
			 2005 New School 1 2 3  
			 2005 Change Category 1   1 
			 Totals 15 1 4 0 1 2 7 16 
		
	
	No proposals were published in 1999 or 2000 to establish new foundation primary schools, or to change the category of any primary schools to foundation. Local authorities are able to "determine to implement" proposals for new schools if they published the proposals and there were no objections.

South Armagh: Criminal Asset Seizures

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What amount of assets, in financial terms, from criminal activity have been recovered in South Armagh in each year since 1998.

Lord Rooker: The law enforcement agencies in Northern Ireland are having a significant impact on those engaged in criminal activity and in 2004–05 restrained or confiscated assets totalling almost £12 million.
	Information of assets seized in financial terms in South Armagh is not in a format that enables me to answer this specific Question and would require a manual trawl of records at disproportionate cost.

South Armagh: Smuggling and Fraud

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	In each year since 1998 how many people from South Armagh have been prosecuted for (a) smuggling, and (b) fraud.

Lord Rooker: The statistics provided in Table 1 are prosecutions for smuggling and fraud and cover the calendar years 1998 to 2003. Data for 1998 and 1999 are based on the police subdivision to which an offence was reported, while data for 2000 to 2003 are based on PSNI district command unit in which an offender's address falls.
	As prosecution data for the South Armagh area cannot be readily identified, figures for the whole of Armagh police subdivision and district command unit have been provided.
	Data for 2004 are not yet available.
	
		Table 1: Prosecutions for smuggling and fraud in Armagh 1998–2003
		
			 Year Smuggling Fraud 
			 1998 2 1 
			 1999 0 1 
			 2000 2 12 
			 2001 3 10 
			 2002 0 5 
			 2003 2 3 
		
	
	1. Data for 1998 and 1999 are based on the police subdivision to which an offence was reported. Data for 2000 to 2003 are based on the police district command unit (DCU) in which an offender's address falls. Police DCUs became operational in April 2001.

Sports Funding: Northern Ireland

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	In each of the past 10 years how much funding has been provided to (a) Gaelic Athletic; (b) Association Football; and (c) Rugby Union at all levels in Northern Ireland.

Lord Rooker: The information requested has been placed in the Library.

Waterways Ireland

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What grade is held by the six members of staff for whom the annual report of Waterways Ireland for 2004 indicates earnings in excess of £393,353 in that year.

Lord Rooker: No employees of Waterways Ireland earned a salary in excess of £393,353. That figure is incorrect and is due to a typographical error which is regretted. The correct figure is £39,353 and correction slips will be issued in due course.
	Six employees of Waterways Ireland were paid Euro salaries which had a Sterling equivalent in the pay band £39,353 to £44,102. They were three grade 2 engineers, two grade 1 foremen and one plant operator B.

Waterways Ireland

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether, since 1 January 2005, any complaints have been lodged with the Northern Ireland Equality Commission concerning Waterways Ireland; if so, when; by whom; and for what reasons.

Lord Rooker: I understand that the Chief Executive of the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, Ms Evelyn Collins, has written to the noble Lord in the following terms:
	"Since 1 January 2005, the Equality Commission has received an application for assistance in relation to one complaint lodged with the Fair Employment Tribunal against Waterways Ireland. Details of the complaint were provided in confidence by the applicant and Section 41 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 applies."